Dear Reader,
Artificial Intelligence is one of the big subjects of our time — also in the Church. Pope Leo XIV has dedicated much of his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, to what he calls a new industrial revolution.
AI has already transformed virtually every aspect of life, from the conduct of warfare to the elimination of jobs — even entire professions. It also promises to make our lives easier in ways we are only beginning to understand.
AI and other forms of digital technology are also having an impact on the practice of religion. Over recent months we have explored different ways in which this “brave new world” affects how some people are living the faith.
In this issue, acclaimed novelist and former Southern Cross columnist Mphuthumi Ntabeni offers a profound reflection on the intersection of AI and faith. My advice: read his article without hurry, and let the words soak in.
The truth is that the authentic Jesus cannot be found in machines.
A sweet story
From high technology to the ancient art of beekeeping! This month we feature Sr Julia Mafike HPC, who has turned her passion for apiculture into a company producing honey and other bee-related products. While her personal journey is a great story in itself, Sr Julia’s insights into bee ecology and the preservation of ecosystems remind us of the beauty and fragility of the natural world.
It almost goes without saying that God has no demographic characteristics — no gender, no race, no nationality. And yet our default image of God tends to be that of an old white man with a long beard. And when we pray, we address the Father, even though God is beyond gender. This year’s Living Theology, the annual lecture series arranged by the Jesuit Institute, examines the term “Father” from a range of perspectives. On page 14, presenters Fr David Neuhaus SJ and Kgaugelo Habyane tell us more.
Much debate this year has centred on the just war doctrine, against the backdrop of the US and Israel attacking Iran, and Israel waging devastating campaigns in Lebanon and in Gaza. We have witnessed the bizarre spectacle of politicians suggesting that Pope Leo XIV does not understand Catholic theology when he declares these and other wars unjust. On page 26 we explain the just war doctrine in a nutshell.
A goodbye
Finally, at the end of June, our long-serving business manager Pamela Davids retires after nearly 53 years with The Southern Cross. It is the end of an era.
Pamela joined the newspaper’s administrative staff straight from school in December 1973. In 1995 she was appointed business manager — the first woman to hold that position — and went on to lead The Southern Cross’ admin department for 27 years. Over this extraordinary span of service, she has worked faithfully for the Lord and his people, not only through the publication but also via her activities in her parish and in the Schoenstatt Family Movement.
For more than 20 years, Pamela and I worked side by side in running the operations of The Southern Cross — and our collaboration was never less than harmonious. Her institutional memory, steady hand and absolute dedication have been invaluable to the mission of this Catholic publication.
We are immeasurably grateful to Pamela for her tireless service over five decades. We thank Pam for her loyalty, professionalism and generosity of spirit, and we pray that her retirement will be filled with joy, peace, love, good health and abundant blessings.
Thank you for reading The Southern Cross. Please tell your friends about your monthly Catholic magazine.
God bless,
Günther Simmermacher (Editor)
- Of AI, Bees and Farewells - July 9, 2026
- What was the Vatican before St Peter’s death? - June 22, 2026
- Rosary for Kids - June 12, 2026
